52 8N Starter and Clutch issues

528N

New User
Issue 1: Have a late model built 51 8N bought a few years ago. Always had a starter issue. Would turn over sometimes and engage properly and then just spin. I would have to get off and rock the tractor in gear and until I heard a click and it would engage. Yes, it appears to be the bendix even though it looked fine, but the the bendix gear was not very long. Could see wear and shavings on flywheel where it wasn't engaging all the way Have ordered new starter and newer style bendix/drive and hope that solves it. But since then when it has totally broken off the bendix gear so the pan needs to come off and get all the metal out.

Issue 2: Every since I have had it, until it gets warm the clutch will not disengage. I have to keep testing it till finally I can get going before tearing down a wall or running into a vehicle before I can throw it out of gear and brake. Since I have to take the pan off, that in this model goes past the flywheel, can I get to the clutch enough to take it and the flywheel off by rotating it without splitting the tractor into? Know this is a couple of issues but would be helpful to me since I haven't tore into it like you guys have. Thanks!
 
Have you ever checked the teeth on the ring gear? That's your likely problem.

When you replace the clutch, plan on replacing the ring gear as well.

" Since I have to take the pan off,"

I assume by that comment that you do not own the manuals. Best get them before you waste your time trying to take the pan off.

Splitting the tractor & replacing the clutch is covered nicely in the I&T FO4 manual. (see tip # 39)

See tips 12 & 59 before you split it.

Check the ring gear & replace it if need be.

Have the flywheel resurfaced.

I'd have the clutch & p/p rebuilt. And I'd replace the t/o & pilot bearings & front transmission seal while I was in there.

Use the main shaft as your clutch alignment tool.

If you don't have a local rebuild shop, try these guys:

Automotive Manufacturers Inc
2400 N Lombardy St Richmond, VA 23220

(804) 321-6861

They do mail order work. They rebuild carbs, clutches, pressure plates, water pumps, alternators, generators, starters & reline brakes.

If you prefer new parts, do NOT order them off of eBay or buy them at TSC. Get parts (and the manuals) from this site or nnalert's.
75 Tips
 
Don't take the pan off tao do what you want to do, split the tractor, it is easier than dropping the pan anyway. all the bendix broken parts are in the housing below the clutch. retrieve them and replace clutch and maybe ring gear all by splitting the tractor between engine and transmission.
 
Thanks for the reply. I suspected that would be the response to split the tractor. And you are probably right that the parts and debris are in the crankcase side of the housing anyway. Will take your advice. Didn’t find anything in the oil when I drained it anyway and forget trying to get a magnet in anywhere. Dropped magnet the best I could along flywheel and it was loaded with shavings. Thanks again!
 
Thank you so much! You gave me a ton of info and it is very much appreciated! I do have the manuals but guess I am just used to finding debris in oil pans and not the what they designed this guy. May can avoid taking the oil pan off, will save gaskets I ordered for later. Know I have a good leak in the timing gear housing, but that I hope isn’t too bad knowing what I now have to do. So nice to get this kind of advice and tips! Thanks and be Safe!
 
This reply that mentions tips was for Bruce in Virginia but for some reason his post did not show up, just 2 of my replies to 2 folks. Funny his post is on my Ipad, but not on my computer? Just thought I would clear that up when it showed 2 Thank You's and only one post.
 

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